We know them as whiteheads, blackheads and pimples, but they are known in science as a condition called "acne vulgaris" – what an appropriate name! Acne is an often embarrassing and sometimes painful condition that is most commonly associated with the awkward teenage years. However, this unsightly condition can actually plague you into your 30's and beyond. Adults who suffer from severe and lasting acne often report feelings of low self-esteem, making it difficult to feel good about themselves. Although it seems like it should be a thing of the past, acne is a problem for many people, and is most commonly found on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders, but can also be found on other parts of the body as well. Acne should just be a terrible pubescent memory, but for a lot of adults, acne still plagues them into their 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond. Red, puss-filled pimples can be embarrassing and unsightly, but there is a natural approach that any adult can take to clear up acne - for good.

Causes of AcneWherever you have a hair follicle, which is pretty much everywhere, you have a sebaceous gland within it. These glands produce a thick, oily substance called “sebum.” The oily sebum spills onto the skin at the hair follicle opening, otherwise known as a pore, to condition and lubricate your skin. The production and use of sebum is normal, but problems, such as acne, occur when these glands overproduce. Then too much sebum clogs up the pores, forming a hard plug that results in a pimple.

Foods Triggers for BreakoutsMany people believe that eating certain foods, such as chocolate, or greasy fried foods, can cause an acne breakout. The truth of the matter is that eating these foods does not affect sebum production, and therefore does not cause acne breakouts. The one exception, however, is that many experts do believe that people who have food allergies may breakout as a side-effect of the allergic reaction to the food they’ve eaten. This food is not necessarily chocolate and fries – it could be any food that produces an allergic reaction in people with these allergies. So, if you do find that after eating a certain food you experience more acne than usual, it is safe to say that you should be wary of eating this food, as you may be allergic to some compound within it.

Causes for Overproduction of SebumHormonal imbalances cause sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, leading to acne. These imbalances occur most often during adolescence (especially in males), menstruation, and pregnancy. Other acne triggers are: stopping or starting birth control pills, emotional stress, friction against the skin from clothing, hard scrubbing of the skin, environmental irritants, certain medications (especially steroids), and heredity. The most popular assumption is that greasy or unhealthy foods can cause acne. This is highly unlikely, unless you have certain food allergies that can trigger a breakout.

Helpful Hints For Clearing Up Acne:

Wash daily using both soap and warm water – hot water can irritate skin and make it dry and more prone to irritation. Use an acne-controlling face-wash if you wish, but watch out for ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, that can irritate some people’s skin.

Use oil-free cosmetics.

Don't pick at pimples – this just makes it worse.

An Australian study found that a solution of 5% tea tree oil used topically on trouble areas can help dry up acne more gently than 5% benzoyl peroxide solutions, which are commonly found in acne medications.

If you can't find relief from your acne after trying any of the above suggestions, it's time to consult with your dermatologist for further treatment.

Although for many people, acne may seem like a hopeless problem, there are things you can do to prevent breakouts, or treat them once they’ve surfaced. Check out our Natural Choices for Treating Acne for quick fixes to acne, and read Say Goodbye to Blotchy Skin for more tips on how to clear up problem skin.

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